Folding cuff link assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a folding cuff link assembly that maintains a flat shape when not in use. The assembly comprises a center element having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end each comprise a bore therethrough. A first element is pivotally attached to the first end of the center element and a second element is pivotally attached to the second end of the center element. A pin extending through each of the first element and the second element is provided for connecting the first and second elements to the bore. The first element and the second element are positioned flush with the center element when the assembly is not in use, and for easier insertion through the cuff holes. When the first element and the second element are each rotated 90 degrees, the cuff link assembly remains stationary in the cuff of the shirt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a folding cuff link assembly thatmaintains a flat shape when not in use. The flat shape allows for easierinsertion through cuff holes and for easier storage when the cuff linksare not being worn.

[0003] 2. The Prior Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,093,723 to Hone discloses a cuff link assemblyhaving one rotating end. This end is spring loaded for holding the endin a locked position while being inserted through the cuffs of a shirt,or for holding the end in place when fastened to the cuffs of the shirt.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,799,069 to Marien discloses an extendable cufflink. In this case, the length of the cuff link can be enlarged foreasier insertion through the cuff holes.

[0006] The above references describe various types of cuff links,however non of these references provide for the advantage of having aflat shape for easy insertion through the cuff holes, and for easierstorage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cuff linkassembly that is flat when folded and not in use. Another object is toprovide a cuff link that will securely fasten the cuff of a shirt.

[0008] These and other objects are accomplished by providing a foldingcuff link assembly comprising a center element having a first end and asecond end. The first end and the second end each comprise a boretherethrough. A first element is pivotally attached to the first end ofthe center element and a second element is pivotally attached to thesecond end of the center element. A pin extending through each of thefirst element and the second element is provided for connecting thefirst and second elements to the bore disposed in the first end and thesecond end of the center element. This allows the first and secondelements to rotate when fastening the cuff link to the shirt.

[0009] When the first element and the second element are in a positionflush with the center element the assembly is flat in shape and can beeasier stored or inserted through the cuff of the shirt. When the firstelement and the second element are each rotated 90 degrees, the cufflink assembly remains stationary in the cuff of the shirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other objects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description considered inconnection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood,however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and notas a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0011] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denotesimilar elements throughout the several views:

[0012]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cufflink assembly according to the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 4 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 in use in the cuff of a shirt;

[0016]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the cufflink assembly;

[0017]FIG. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

[0018]FIG. 7 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

[0019]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cufflink assembly; and

[0020]FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8; and

[0021]FIG. 10 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show a cufflink assembly 4 having a center element 10. Center element 10 contains afirst end 12 and a second end 14. A first element 16 is pivotallyattached to first end 12, and a second element 18 is pivotally attachedto second end 14. To pivotally attach elements 16 and 18 a bore 20 isprovided through first end 12, second end 14 and through first andsecond elements 16, 18. A pin 22 is disposed through first element 16and second element 18 for connection with bore 20. This connectionallows first element 16 and second element 18 to swivel about an axis ofrotation for fastening the cuff link to a shirt. In this embodiment,first element 16 and second element 18 rotate 90 degrees (as shown inFIG. 4), forming a z-shape to hold the cuffs of a shirt together whenassembly 4 is in use.

[0023] In operation, cuff link assembly 4 is inserted through shirt cuffopenings 82 while in its flat position. First element 16 and secondelement 18 are then rotated 90 degrees to prevent cuffs so from becomingundone.

[0024] FIGS. 5-10 show two additional embodiments of the presentinvention. In this case, center element 10 contains a first set of arms30, 30′ and a second set of arms 40, 40′. Each arm contains a bore 20,20′, through which pin 22 connects. First set of arms 30, 30′ form afirst element receiving area 50, and second set of arms 40, 40′ forms asecond element receiving area 52. Areas 50 and 52 correspond to theshape of first and second elements 16, 18, respectively. First element16 and second element 18 can be of any suitable shape, spherical andsquare are shown as examples. Elements 16, 18 are initially flush withcenter element 10 when they are positioned in their respective elementareas 50 and 52. Elements 16 and 18 are then rotated around pin 22 tofasten cuff link assembly 4 to the shirt.

[0025] The cuff link assembly can be made of a variety of materials,such as gold, sterling silver, brass etc. In operation, one end of thecuff link is inserted through the cuff holes of a shirt when in its flatposition. First element 16 and second element 18 are rotated 90 degreessuch that the cuff link assembly will remain fastened to the cuffs ofthe shirt, preventing the cuffs from separating.

[0026] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changesand modifications may be made thereunto without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cuff link assembly for use on shirt cuffs,comprising: a center element having a first end and a second end whereinthe first end and the second end each comprise a bore therethrough; afirst element pivotally attached to the first end of the center element;a second element pivotally attached to the second end of the centerelement; and a pin extending through each of the first element and thesecond element for attaching to said bore disposed in the first end andthe second end; wherein the first element and the second element areflush with the center element when the assembly is not in use, andwherein when the first element and the second element are each rotated90 degrees so that the cuff link assembly remains stationary in the cuffof the shirt.
 2. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe first element and the second element are square-shaped.
 3. The cufflink assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first element and thesecond element are spherical in shape.
 4. The cuff link assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the first end comprises a first set ofarms forming a first element receiving area, and the second endcomprises a second set of arms forming a second element receiving area,wherein each arm comprises a free end.
 5. The cuff link assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein said first set of arms and said second setof arms each comprise a bore disposed at said free end for receiving thepin.
 6. The cuff link assembly according to claim 4, wherein said firstelement receiving are corresponds to the shape of the first element, andsaid second element receiving area corresponds to the shape of thesecond element.
 7. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe assembly is made of gold.
 8. The cuff link assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the assembly is made of sterling silver.
 9. The cufflink assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is made ofbrass.
 10. A method of using a cuff link assembly having a firstelement, a second element and a center element, for fastening the cuffsof a shirt, comprising the steps of: inserting the cuff link assemblywhile the first element and the second element are flush with the centerelement, through the cuffs of the shirt; and fastening the cuff link tothe shirt cuffs by rotating the first element and the second element 90degrees.